Swanson Pinot Grigio 2008

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Ray

Swanson, Napa Valley, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features a mix of citrus and tropical fruits with a bit of green herbs. In the mouth it is fresh and fruity, showing the essence of orange and grapefruit with ample acidity – nice.

The grapes behind this wine are babied to give peak performance in the bottle. Pam Bond, who manages the vineyards at Swanson, described the Pinot Grigio vines as her ‘high maintenance girls’, receiving lots of attention over the course of their annual life in the Valley.

Produced and bottled with a screwcap closure in Rutherford 13.6% purchased at the winery where it is available for $21

Swanson Vineyards

Posted in California, Napa Valley, Pinot Gris and Grigio | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jaboulet Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2007

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Ray

Paul Jaboulet Aine, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Le Chant des Griolles 2007 The nose features the expected orange blossom of Muscat with the region’s typical spiritous character in the subtly in the background. In the mouth you’ll find oranges and cinnamon, sprinkled with flowers and warmed with brandy.This particular Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is quite fresh at this point in its journey – nice.

The grapes behind this fortified dessert wine are all Muscat Blanc a petits grains. Mis en bouteille in La Roche de Glun 15% purchased for $20.99 at Bottle Barn, a 375ml bottle

Paul Jaboulet Aine

Posted in Fortified dessert, France, Late Harvest White, Muscat, Muscat Beaumes de Venise, Rhône, White Dessert | Tagged | Leave a comment

California Syrah

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Ray

JC Cellars, Santa Barbara County, Fess Parker’s Vineyard, Syrah 2007 Give this wine a bit of air, 10 minutes or so to blow off a bit of reductive character. Then the black fruit will emerge, wrapped in a jacket of leather. In the mouth there are notes of tar and smoke, a meatiness, structured yet with ripe tannins that make this wine chewy yet accessible. Warm up the barbecue and ready the lamb for this wine. Owner and winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in Oakland 14.5% purchased for $23.99 at Bottle Barn JC Cellars

Foxen, Santa Ynez Valley, Toasted Rope, Syrah 2008 The nose is intensely fruity, redolent of blueberries and lilacs. In the mouth the fruit gives an encore with a little thick richness, a velvety feel and long acidity – very nice.

84% Syrah and 16% Viognier. P&B in Santa Maria 14.8% $35.99 at Bottle Barn Foxen

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Unti Grenache 2007

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Ray

Unti, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache 2007 There’s a lovely, candy-like fruitiness to this Grenache. It’s also not a flabby one, but rather a red wine with structure, reminiscent of its Old World roots yet kissed by New World sunshine.

The 2007 is reinforced by 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, all of which is grown biodynamically.

The wine is aged in large casks called foudres and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. GP&B in Healdsburg 14.9% purchased for $27.99 at Bottle Barn Unti

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Goldeneye Vin Gris 2009

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Ray

Goldeneye, Anderson Valley, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features fresh strawberries. On the palate there is a creamy mouthfeel, a silky texture, with a thickness not often found in rose – very nice.

The wine is made by the saignee method, bleeding off a bit of color during 22 hours of skin contact with the newly harvested Pinot Noir grapes. Production is all stainless.

Produced and bottled in Philo 13.5% purchased at the winery where it retails for $22 Goldeneye

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Rosé | Tagged | 1 Comment

La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi 1997

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Ray

La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 1997 Almost 13 years since the vintage the nose is showing notes of roasted coffee, nuts, dried fruits and prunes. With 10 minutes the sweetness of the dried fruit is emerging with a toasted nut character.

In the mouth the structure is still apparent, with tannins that have softened and acidity that is still vibrant. The dried fruits meld with brown spices in the mouth, quite complex – very nice.

I had the opportunity to try this vintage long ago during a visit to La Spinetta.  If you have some bottles left, drink them sooner rather than later as the wine has crested the hill in its evolution. That said, this bottle tonight is a delight.

Not cheap but the Durer is included. Estate Bottled in Castagnole Lanze in Piemonte 14.5% purchased for $79.99 at Bottle Barn La Spinetta

Posted in Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Tagged | 1 Comment

Mordoree Cotes-Du-Rhone 2008

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Ray

Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes-Du-Rhône “La Dame Rousse” 2008 Give this some air to blow off the stink. Then with 15 minutes the black pepper and red fruits will emerge. In the mouth it is overtly fruity and quite structured, chewy and ready to pair with burgers on the grill.

Mis au domaine, DeLorme prop-rec a Tavel, Kysela importer to the US, 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cinsault 14% purchased for $14.49 at Bottle Barn Mordoree

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Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2008

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Ray

Thorn-Clarke, Barossa, Shotfire, Shiraz 2008 This is oak city, smelling of freshly split logs and coconut. On the palate the theme continues, quite rich, with ripe tannins and a nice sense of acidity.

The grapes are sourced from the family’s Kabiningie Vineyard on the floor of the Barossa, just south of Tanunda. Aged over 12 months in French and US oak, 40% new. Winemaker Derek Fitzgerald. Produced in Angaston 15% purchased for $15.99 at Bottle Barn Thorn-Clarke

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Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Ray

Mirassou, California, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose features Cassis, candied berries and some mintiness. In the mouth it is quite fruity and soft, with perhaps a bit of residual sugar amplifying the fruit and adding weight and viscosity to the palate.

V&B in Modesto, 13.5% $12 suggested retail in California, a media sample Mirassou

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Noceto Nutz! 2008

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Ray

Tutti I Giorni, Amador County, Nutz! 2008 The nose features cherries and tar with a bit of brambles. In the mouth it is light-bodied and refreshingly acidic with a bit of grip.

As in Chianti, this wine is a blend based on Sangiovese. P&B in Plymouth by Suzy and Jim Gullett at Vino Noceto, Table Wine purchased for $9.69 at Bottle Barn Noceto

Posted in Amador County, California, Sierra Foothills | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2007

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Ray

Pedroncelli, Dry Creek Valley, Mother Clone, Zinfandel 2007 The nose features sweet jammy fruit, like a bit of raspberry and blackberry rolled into a crumble for dessert. In the mouth it is spicy and warm, a little viscous and focused on the fruit – nice.

11% Petite Sirah augmented this wine, adding structure. The wine was aged in both French and American oak for 11 months. Produced and bottled in Geyserville 14.7% $15 for the current ’08 vintage at the winery, this vintage has since sold out and was a gift to the class from the SFCWC

Pedroncelli Winery

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Tagged | 1 Comment

Pahlmeyer Red 2006

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Ray

Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley, Red Wine 2006 In the nose the fruit is quite sweet and ripe, reminiscent of Cassis accented with vanilla and brown spices. In the mouth this Bordeaux-style blend is ripe and approachable, quite silky and ready to drink without delay – very nice.

The grapes behind this wine are 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Winemaker Erin Green. Produced and bottled in Oakville 15.2% $105 at the winery, a gift to the class from one of the students. www.pahlmeyer.om

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, California, Napa Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2006

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Ray

Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico 2006 Cherries and cranberries mark the nose with a touch of earth and smoke. In the mouth it is perfectly tart, light-bodied and ready to accompany roasted chicken. There’s long, lingering cherry flavor and acidity – nice.

The grapes behind this wine are 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 4-5% Syrah and other grapes. Estate bottled in Barberino Val d’Elsa 13% purchased for $15.99 at Bottle Barn

Posted in Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Tagged | Leave a comment

Berger Gruner Veltliner 2009

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Ray

Berger, Niederosterreich, Gruner Veltliner 2009 The nose is a bit flinty, with a sprinkling of green herbs. In the mouth it is crisp and refreshing – nice. This wine has been a consistent value over the vintages and notice that you still get a super size for less than $12. Estate bottled by Weingut E. & M. Berger in Gedersdorf in Krems 12.5% $10.99 for a one litre bottle, purchased at Bottle Barn

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Hartford Court Four Hearts Chardonnay 2007

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Ray

Hartford Court, Russian River, Four Hearts Vineyards, Chardonnay 2007 This is a large Chardonnay, big, rich and mouth-filling. There’s plenty of butter and oak to please those in search of a full-on California Chard yet there is also a core of fruit and acidity providing balance and length – very rich and very nice.

All of the wine was fermented and aged in French oak. Proprietors Don and Jennifer Hartford. Produced and bottled in Forestville 14.3% purchased for $40 at the winery Hartford

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | 3 Comments

The White Wines of Vinho Verde 2009

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray

Fâmega, Vinho Verde, Vinho Branco 2009 The nose speaks of lemon and lemon zest. In the mouth it is zippy with acidity, light-bodied and tart with a light bit of sparkle, further enhancing its refreshing character – very nice. This is the first bottle I’ve had a chance to taste from the new vintage. The bottling code is #L10049.

This is a more traditional blend from the region rather than an Alvarinho-only Vinho Verde.  There are four grapes: Loureiro, Trajadura, Pedernã and Alvarinho. Bottled and shipped by Caves da Cerca, a negociant located in Amarante Pt. within the VV production zone, along the Tamega River just northeast of Penafiel 9.5% purchased for just $5.99 at Bottle Barn

Soalheiro, Vinho Verde, Moncao e Melgaco, Alvarinho 2009 In the nose the citrus is joined by stone fruits and flowers. In the mouth it is also an acidic wine, but unlike its brother above it is more concentrated – very nice as well.

The grapes are all Alvarinho grown on the hills around Melgaco, in the northern reaches of Moncao, just along the Spanish border. Produced and bottled by Quinta de Soalheiro in Melgaco 12.5% purchased for $18.59 at Bottle Barn Quinta de Soalheiro

Posted in Albariño, Minho, Moncao, Portugal, Vinho Verde | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Finca Sobreno Toro 2005

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray

Finca Sobreno, Toro 2005 This vintage is a nice step up from the previous. The nose shows a mix of fresh and cooked red fruits, with a sweet overlay of vanilla. In the mouth it is approachable and oaky with structure that is obvious but not overpowering. The acidity carries the flavors a long way -  nice and affordable.

This wine is 100% Tempranillo and is aged for 7 months in American oak. Estate bottled in Toro 14.5% $14.99 at Bottle Barn Bodegas Sobreno

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Vetus 2005

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray

Vetus, Toro 2005 There’s a definite sense of Port in the nose, combining liqueur-like berry essence and a bit of spirit. In the mouth the berry flavors are vibrant yet this wine is still quite tight and would benefit from a long sleep in the cellar.

The grape behind this wine is Tempranillo, grown over 10 hectares in Villabuena del Puente, at an average altitude of 700 meters. At least 50% of the wine was aged in new French and American oak barrels for 12 months. Elaborado y embotellado in Morales de Toro 14.5% purchased for $22.99 at Bottle Barn

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Mas Doix Salanques 2006

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ray

Celler Mas Doix, Priorat, Salanques 2006 The nose greets you with a fair waft of oak, sweet with jammy fruit and brown spices. In the mouth this wine is dense yet supple, with ripe tannins and lots of jammy black fruit – quite yummy.

The Salanques estate sits at 350 metres above sea level. The grapes behind this wine are sourced mostly from Garnacha and Carinena vines, 70 – 90 years old, with a bit of Merlot and Cabernet that was newly planted.

The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Estate bottled in Poboleda 15% purchased for $33.99 at Bottle Barn

Celler Mas Doix

Posted in Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Spain | Leave a comment

Mollydooker Goose Bumps 2006

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Ray

Mollydooker, South Australia, Goose Bumps, Sparkling Shiraz 2006 In the nose the oak makes a statement with sweet black fruit. The texture in the mouth is masterful, actually velvety displaying the flavors of blackberry, coffee and freshly-split oak. Proprietors Sarah & Sparky Marquis. Produced in McLaren Vale. 15% $45.69 at Bottle Barn Mollydooker

Posted in Australia, South Australia, Sparkling Dry, Syrah | Leave a comment

Red Wine Stars of the Rhone

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ray

Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2007 The fruit has both a fresh and dried character, combining cherries, plums and raisins. In the mouth it has an elegant profile, the structure is apparent yet restrained, not dominating the flavors – very nice. The grapes are sourced from the Coudoulet vineyard, grown organically and include about 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and 20% Syrah. Mis par Ste. Fermiere des Vignobles Pierre Perrin in Courthezon 14.5% $27.99 at Bottle Barn Chateau de Beaucastel

Chateau La Nerthe, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005

Unfortunately this wine is corked. The grapes behind this wine are mostly Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsault. Mis en bouteille a Chateauneuf-du-Pape 14% purchased for $34.99 at Bottle Barn

Posted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage 2008

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ray

Alain Graillot, Crozes Hermitage 2008 This vintage features lots of black pepper and a structured palate, with long acidity and a commensurate amount of tannin. For some there will be too much of a memory of Band-Aids and the dentist office but with a plate of blood sausages, those memories will recede into the background. Vinifie, eleve et mis en bouteille a Pont de l’Isere 12.5% purchased for $21.99 at Bottle Barn

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Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages 2008

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ray

Louis Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages 2008 The nose expresses the essence of fresh grapes with a bit of earthiness. In the mouth the fruit is bright, the acidity lively and the tannin just a hint in the background. This is perfect when you want a bit of lightly-chilled red wine on a warm summer day’s picnic.

Eleve et mis at 71570 in France (It’s got to be Beaune, right? Or is that postal code the site of another facility to the south?) Full disclosure: I had a nice lunch at Jadot some years ago. 12.5% purchased for $10.99 at Bottle Barn Jadot

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Dr. Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett 2008

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ray

Dr. Loosen, Mosel, Bernkasteler, Lay, Riesling, Kabinett 2008 The nose features freshly squeezed lime and fresh flowers. There are Sweetarts galore in the mouth, light body and great length – very nice.

This wine is topped with a screwcap for extra safety. Erzeugerabfullung in Bernkastel 7.5% purchased for $20.99 at Bottle Barn Dr. Loosen

Posted in Germany, Mosel, Riesling | Leave a comment

Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Fourchaume 2007

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ray

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Premier Cru, Fourchaume 2007 The nose features bright green apple and minerality. In the mouth the acidity is invigorating, as if biting into that green apple. While at the same time there is a richness in the background, a hint of butter – very nice. Mis en bouteille a Prehy 13% $31.99 at Bottle Barn Brocard

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France | Tagged | Leave a comment

Foppiano Rose 2009

Posted on July 17, 2010 by Ray

Foppiano, Russian River Valley, Estate Bottled, Rose 2009 The nose features flowers, candied red fruits and a bit of bubble gum. In the mouth the fruit shows nicely, the acidity is mild and the palate is broad. It is reminiscent of a rose from the southern Rhone, like Mordoree’s Tavel – very nice.

The grapes behind this wine are 55% Petite Sirah and 45% Pinot Noir. The wine was aged in neutral French oak for 6 months. The wine is bottled under a screwcap closure. Grown, produced and bottled in Healdsburg 14.2% $15 at the winery, a media sample.

Foppiano Vineyards

Posted in California, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged | Leave a comment

Red Wines of Piemonte

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ray

Vietti, Barbera d’Asti, Tre Vigne 2007 In the nose you’ll find tar, licorice, black fruit and chocolate. In the mouth there is Barbera’s acidic trademark, yet with density of flavor throughout – very nice and very long.

The grapes are sourced from younger vines in and around Agliano d’Asti. The wine is aged in a combination of French oak barrels and Slavonian oak casks for 12 months. Estate Bottled in Castiglione Falletto 14.5% purchased for $14.49 at Bottle Barn Vietti

Paolo Scavino, Rosso, Vino da Tavola 2008 The fruitiness in the nose is quite overt, a sense of whole berries right from the vine. It’s not Beaujolais but it certainly echoes that fruit profile with some black pepper and earth. In the mouth there is zippy acidity to frame the fruit, a ready to drink quaffer.

The grapes behind this wine are Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Estate bottled in Castiglione Falletto 13.5% purchased for $15.99 at Traverso’s Paolo Scavino

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Casa Alle Vacche Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2009

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ray

Casa Alle Vacche, Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2009 The nose offers minerality, hay and citrus fruits. In the mouth you’ll find the expected acidity, in a lean format with a bit of roundness on the edges.

The grape behind this wine is Vernaccia grown at an elevation of 210-280 metres. Bottled. by the Ciappi family in San Gimignano 13% purchased for $14.99 at Traverso’s Casa Alle Vacche

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Tuscany’s Wine Classics

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ray

Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Clasico 2006 The nose shows baked cherries and brown spices. In the mouth the cherry fruit is quite vibrant as is the acidity which matches it – nice.The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate bottled in Barberino val d’Elsa 13% purchased for $18.99 at Traverso’s Paneretta

Argiano, Rosso di Montalcino 2007 In the nose the cherry fruit is matched by sweet flowers. In the mouth this light-bodied Rosso offers a fresh expression of cherries and cranberries with great length.

This is Argiano’s value offering. Bottled in Montalcino 14% purchased for $29.99 at Traverso’s

Posted in Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sonoma County Zinfandel

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ray

Robert Rue, Russian River Valley, Wood Road, Reserve, Zinfandel 2007 Sweet and jammy fruit exudes in the nose with the spiciness of black pepper. In the mouth you’ll find a structured Zin, lightly tannic, with plenty of acidity and lastly a bit of caramel richness. Sourced from Bob and Carlene Rue’s centurions. Vinted and bottled in Sebastopol 14.9% $28.99 at Bottle Barn purchased for $28.99 at Bottle Barn RR

Wilson Winery, Dry Creek Valley, Molly’s Vineyard, Zinfandel 2008 This Zin from Wilson takes on a liquer-like impression in the nose, very sweet smelling. In the mouth it is luscious and fat, almost silky in texture with a vibrant expression of blackberry. Molly’s Vineyard is located at about 500 feet elevation above West Dry Creek Road. 10% of the vineyard is planted to Petite Sirah. Proprietors Ken and Diane Wilson. Grown, produced and bottled in Healdsburg 15.2% purchased for $24.99 at Bottle Barn Wilson Winery

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Tagged | 1 Comment